Rallying takes place on public or private roads and the cars are either modified or specially built for the race. The road competition is famously held in the city of Monza, which is north of Milan, Italy. There’s a lot of noise, and it’s for good reason. Due to the long straights and design of the track, drivers are on full throttle 99% of the time. The corners are fast as well.
On the straights, maximum power and minimal drag are key ingredients for speed. Those who compete for top places have power and aerodynamic efficiency at their command. There’s a lot that goes into preparing for such races, and the knowledge and information gained is used by the auto industry as a whole. The fans see it as pure excitement. Sponsors see it as an effective way to advertise their brand. It’s like everything else in the world—the winner takes all.